At first glance they may seem to have little in common.
One is the king’s sassy, no-nonsense sister, famous for her outspoken approach to royal duties.
The other is her sweet-natured sister-in-law, popular thanks to her feminine style and sympathetic manner.
But the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh share an impressive work ethic – so it was probably inevitable that they would work together at some point.
Princess Anne addresses war veterans during a reception at Buckingham Palace
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, shakes hands with Remembrance director Philippa Rawlinson
They were even color coordinated when they held a reception on behalf of the King
They always seemed to enjoy each other’s company, as seen here at the 2021 Westmorland County Show in Cumbria
Last week they stood up for the king, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, during a reception at Buckingham Palace for veterans of the 1950 to 1953 Korean War.
Anne and Sophie have rarely been linked in this way, yet they seemed to have an easy rapport and were an instant hit with fans on social media.
“I just love those ladies,” one wrote.
Others said: “Love this collaboration, two amazing women” and “lovely to see such amazing ladies sharing this event,” wrote another.
The Princess, 73, and the Duchess, 59, have been friends for years and have been spotted together at social events from Royal Ascot to the (slightly less high-profile) Westmorland County Show in Cumbria.
But it is quite unusual for them to organize a work meeting together.
Palace insiders said there is no plan to pay attention to the combination, which came about because of the king’s condition.
Other royals perform when their schedules are free and their interests align.
Sophie mainly does her engagements alone or together with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, who is visiting Uganda this week.
The Duchess was thus free to join the redoubtable Princess Anne, who told the 200 or so guests at the palace that she was “so pleased that Sophie and I had been asked to help.”
Princess Anne and Sophie speak with Major General Eldon Millar and Yoon Yeocheol, South Korean Ambassador to Britain
Sophie and Anne sit together in the carriage for the Order of the Garter ceremony
Here we see them leaving the National Service of Thanksgiving as part of the 2022 Platinum Anniversary celebration
It was no secret that Anne and Sophie were favorites of the late Queen
After all, it’s no secret that both women were favorites of the late queen.
In 2015 they both accompanied Her Majesty to the Centenary Meeting of the Women’s Institutes – a great compliment considering the affection with which Queen Elizabeth held the WI.
Maybe it’s time to see a little more of this dynamic duo?